Goats offer a sustainable alternative to heavy equipment and toxic chemicals
By Mary Beth Bender
When you think of sustainability, are you thinking goats? In preparation for Pinnacle Park in Norcross, Ga., the city invited 42 distinguished members of Get Your Goat Rentals to visit. The goats were welcome to eat everything in sight, including 12 acres of delicious kudzu, privet, poison ivy, poison oak, etc. Norcross is an Atlanta Regional Commission, platinum-rated city in the metro area—only one of two. Sustainable practices are first and foremost for parks, city-owned buildings, and greenspace. The suburb—north of Atlanta—has a quaint historic district, including a railroad that runs through the center of town, and also an educated, thriving metropolitan vibe that welcomes all, including goats.
Meeting The Dogs
Goats have a proven track record of eating anything in their path, including sticks, twigs, kudzu, poison ivy, poison oak, and privet. They always start at the top of a hill and work their way down. Two Maremma sheepdogs—brother and sister—guard the goats from coyotes, strangers, snakes, and other predators. The dogs always work in pairs, with one patrolling the perimeter while the other stays with the herd. They sleep during the day and patrol at night. These livestock guardian dogs have special coats that keep them cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and dry in the rain and snow. Like most service dogs, they are happiest when doing the job they have been bred for and trained to do. Although they are beautiful, they are considered working dogs, with defined roles, so petting them is discouraged. On the final day, a Border Collie herds the goats back to a trailer. Although the goats are fascinating, the dogs add another fun dimension to the experience.